URBAN JANE

Opening a 70's closed galley kitchen into a modern great room

2012-02-12T15:34:00.001-05:00

One of the many eye sores in the new home we purchased is the strange built in which sits in front of the galley kitchen wall. The previous owners got a little "creative" and added some strange things onto the original built in and then painted it a sad and hospital grey and placed linoleum floor tiles on the counters to give it that extra "panache, chic touch". This mammoth structure housed their mammoth television which they had the livingroom arranged to focus on. (away from the view of the 20 foot windows overlooking the Sawkill Creek and nature)

I planned from the get-go of tearing down the built in and opening up the kitchen to the livingspace and dining room. However, as many people know there are structural components that create issues when you want to "knock" a wall down. For us, their are two potential structural components that will have to be factored into our design.

1.) the post that sits 36" in from where the beginning of the kitchen island would be
2.) a potential air duct soffet that may or may not be underneath an unattractive facade (also painted the sad grey)

It is possible that the post is not structural and can go- in that case YIPPEE!!!! The kitchen will be exactly as I had dreamed. If it cannot be- I need to put my creativity on crack and crank out some ideas to integrate that post in a non-obtrusive and somewhat functional way. The pole will be sitting about 12 inches back from the livingroom edge of the counter/island. It is 6"x6", and will also be as I mentioned 36" in from the beginning of the counter/island. Basically it will be "in" the island.

My first idea was to create a custom wine rack that reaches from the counter to the ceiling next to the post to disguise the reality.

The second idea was to create a screen similar to the one that I will be using on the balcony railings to just tie in the architecture more.

The third idea is to leave the pole open and exposed (but encased in wood that will be stained) both on top and below and to just have a counter top there and lose the lower cabinets. Similar to the idea I found while searching for this type of thing on houzz.com by Silva Studio Architecture which also has a similar layout with a feature wall (on ours the other side will be built in gallery shelving)

modern kitchen design by san diego architect Silva Studios Architecture

Here are my current plans for the layout. The cabinets will be 3/4" walnut ply integrated with the white high gloss IKEA cabinets and small finger pull hardware. There will not be pendant lighting, only recessed lighting in the kitchen area and above the island to keep the look as streamlined and open as possible.

Below clumsily shows the new railings and spiral stairs and then the wine rack (which would be more integrated)-

And finally, the look without the slat wood balcony railings, and instead the original plan with the half wall

Any ideas or opinions?

Terrazzo Tile- to have and to hold?

2012-02-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

The house before I moved in and the pink/salmon terrazzo

As some of you may know- I have recently moved into my new home, which is a MCM butterfly roof gem in need of some polishing. One of the pros was the fact that it has almost a 1000 square feet of Terrazzo tile on the main level. One of the cons is that it has almost 1000 square feet of Terrazzo tile on the main level. I love Terrazzo, it is extremely durable, gorgeous, and extremely apropos for the homes architecture. The problem then? It is a salmon color- (which I have already started to warm to) but it has been covered by the previous owners with carpeting where they have glued it down, and nailed into the tile. Basically they have really damaged some of the tile and where it isn't permanently damaged, it has mastic I would need to get off which I have read is a royal pain. The other issue is that it does not continue into the kitchen, which will be open to the main living area even more when I am finished with the renovation.

Our new house the week we moved in

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I am having an internal debate over keeping the terrazzo or covering it safely with a click-lock engineered hardwood. I was trying to look for a solution of simply repairing the floor and then finding a corresponding terrazzo tile for the kitchen area. The hardwood we had decided on is gorgeous, and it is going to make a BIG change in here- which I want, but I am slightly sad to cover such an expensive and original detail. There must be about 30K worth of Terrazzo on the floor...We will be spending close to 5K to cover it in hardwood. (or more) Although I know it will probably be for the best- I thought I would throw it over to readers to debate. For more reference- please see the rest of the photos of the house before we moved in

Here is the latest idea for my loft area and spiral stairs

And here is the flooring we have chose for the main level, which will cover everything except the main floor bathroom which will be carrara marble, river rock and subway tile leftover from my other renovation.

This is what the flooring looks like that we have picked out:

So dear readers, what is your thought on such a blasphemous idea as covering the pink/salmon terrazzo? Do you feel that this will devalue our home, or add value?

Handmade Homes- and 2 Woodstock real estate listings

2011-12-27T10:06:00.002-05:00

For over a hundred years…Long before the famous concert borrowed the town’s name, Woodstock has been home to artists, craftsman, musicians, activists and eccentrics looking to flee the city and live their lives simply and honestly surrounded by other bohemian’s that would celebrate and embrace community living, and passions that main-stream society wasn’t ready to accept or fully respect. When the American Dream was still about finding your own way and doing it yourself, many of these people did not “buy” homes when they fled the city, but instead built them by hand with local materials found on the land, and down the creek in the area. With the help of the community and perseverance (plus a lack of clear town building codes and permits I am assuming) they created some of the most ingenious and interesting homes around. Four generations later, some of these homes still exist today and are even available on the market. You can view these homes in the 1974 published book aptly titled “Woodstock Handmade Houses” by Robert Haney and David Ballantine, available on Amazon.com. We were lucky enough to find this book thrown for the trash on a W. 70th Street curb in Manhattan on our way back from…yes, Woodstock.

The Maverick Concert Hall above

Hervey White was the Harvard educated “gran-daddy” of the local handmade house phenomena, leader of the Maverick Festival and original management team of the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, also in Woodstock. An idealist to an extreme, Hervey helped build hundreds of handmade homes with and for people, as if scattering seeds across Woodstock’s landscape during the initial years of the Festival in the 1900′s and beyond.

Below are two “handmade homes” available to purchase currently in Woodstock. There are more though, if you look hard enough.

For 275K, this 1954 handmade home has a warm, rustic and open layout that seems ideal for a couple or single person’s weekend retreat. Full of quirky and efficient details, this is the quintessential handmade house. Featured in the 1974 book, this home is ready for a new loving owner. Click here for the listing. Also available to rent for $150.00 a night.

Beds:1 Bed Baths:2 Bath House Size:1,480 Sq Ft Lot Size:2.93 Acres

Potentially one of the first Maverick Homes, this stone cottage for 139K, is across the road from the Maverick Concert Hall, and was built in 1910. Along with its neighboring Maverick Festival homes, it is once again a quintessential antique handmade home. I can picture Hervey White placing the stones and mortar of this house alongside his fellow festival attendees. (The likes of Isamu Noguchi and Russell Wright)

Set into the hillside, this adorable 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home is in a convenient location and would be easy to maintain. Click here for the full listing.

Beds:2 Bed Baths:1 Bath House Size:875 Sq Ft Lot Size:0.68 Acres

Danish Modern Home for sale in Sparrowbush, NY and MCM GEM in New Paltz!

2011-12-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

Check out these gorgeous listings in Sparrowbush and New Paltz, NY I posted on Upstate Jane via Upstater!

Sparrowbush, NY 299K 4b/2.5b home

New Paltz, NY 265K 3b/2b home

Our New House....

2011-12-08T15:18:00.001-05:00

In about 3-4 weeks, we will be moving into our new house where we will become full time Woodstock NY residents. I wasn't going to post the house until we moved in, but I want to do some posts that will make much more sense when you have context!

This house, needs quite a bit of renovation. Like our current home, I am anticipating putting some work in before it gets to be the dream house I know it can be. It has great bones though, an unbelievable outdoor space and it is ON the Sawkill Creek. We got a great deal on it, but we are going to be VERY sad to let go of our first house. sigh!

Welcome!

This is where Richard's office will be, with two access points. One is a private entrance which is perfect for clients!

entryway, and our realtors...

view from when you first walk in- that is terrazzo tile

I am sure you can imagine how badly I want to get in there and have their furniture and carpet GONE

This gross built in is the 2nd project! GONE and open to the kitchen! (there is more terrazzo under that green carpet.)

our first renovation will be to make it tiny doggy friendly

big windows with views of the rushing creek, swimming hole and meadow

Here are some more below....but for all the pics, click here.

Urban Trends- Great Home Accessory Goods on line

2011-12-02T11:35:00.001-05:00

We are selling our house, and the buyer was interested in purchasing or keeping the buddha head statue I had put on a rock outcropping ledge in front of the house. I got a great deal on it and to replace it would cost too much money so I am keeping it, but while looking for the source for her to buy a new one I found that Urban Trends (which is the company that made it) has some great items!

Below are some of the items in their collection- lots of cute colorful items for accents! Wayfair seems to have a ton of their items and they offer free shipping and tax is typically included.

New DIY desk for a two person office from IKEA countertop

2011-12-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

Previously the office space in this room was for 1 person, and though it was a great retro desk, it didn't function well for two designers who worked from home and needed to share an office.

By using two of the previous file cabinets in the room, and purchasing one more for the middle- we created a long two person workspace by using IKEA's Numerar countertop in OAK. I purchased two 45.5" long by 25.5" deep countertops. This can be done for half the price by buying a different countertop from them such as the Pragel, or Lagan- but I was going for a thicker more high end feel that would be cohesive with the kitchen look. To create a floating effect and to get the desk to the proper height, I had leftover scraps of countertop from the kitchen renovation cut into three uniform pieces to set on top of the file cabinets. I placed grips on the cabinet and on top of the extra pieces before laying down the long countertop. This keeps the top in place. I plan on replacing the file cabinet's handles but the hardware I purchased is the wrong length, and spraying them a different color. I haven't sealed or stained the oak, but I will be doing so.

The new wave of Modern ceiling fans...

2011-11-30T18:21:00.001-05:00

Ceiling Fans...they always brought a bad taste to my mouth. So ugly and intrusive. Too much function without form. A necessary evil, the Birkenstock of ceiling fixtures...

It seems that George Kovac amongst a few other designers are out to change our mind about this utilitarian object. While researching some ceiling fan options for a client, I came across some very interesting ceiling mounted air movers. They were sculptural, sleek, and came in a variety of sizes and finishes. These are not your home depot ceiling fans. I was also surprised at the somewhat affordable price tags attached to these "works of art" these Kinetic air moving sculptures if you will!

This is the George Kovacs Cirque Modern Minka Aire fan- on average at $450 it is a lighting fixture plus ceiling fan, plus kinetic sculpture. The Minka comes in this gorgeous mahogany, clear, as well as a stainless steel look and a part Mondrian/part Kandinsky effect as well...

The next work of art by George is this aerodynamic wood sculpture called the Artemis Aerodynamic Ceiling fan. It too, comes in a variety of finishes such as white, red, stainless steel and different wood varieties. It averages $530.00 but looks worth it to me!

Next we have a unique ceiling fan with lighting fixture called the Minka Aire Uchiwa Ceiling Fan that somewhat resembles that 70's lamps and also It averages around $500.00. It is very classy!

This next ceiling fan is called the Marea Ceiling Fan, by Fanimation. It runs around $500.00, is VERY large, and has a very sleek unusual design. Fanimation has quite a few uber modern ceiling fan designs.

If you have less of a palette for sleek but still want something modern but with an old world flavor, take the Casablanca Ceiling Fan. It appears the designers took a cue off the Holly Hunt candelabra chandelier and added a new "spin", pun intended...This bad boy is as expensive as a high end chandelier though, running you roughly 6K.

Another ceiling fan by Casablanca is the Stealth Ceiling Fan. It is more reasonable at around $600.00 and has about 6 different finishes.

I really liked this next fan called the Involution by Fanimation for its simplicity and versatility. It is a two blade fan, and it seems it could work well in a variety of settings and it comes in a variety of finishes as well. It is one of the less expensive ceiling fans running you anywhere from $300-$400.00 depending on finishing.

The Torto Ceiling Fan by Fanimation is a statement fan, and is slightly more expensive than some of the other models at roughly $700.00. It comes in a an oil rubbed bronze and sterling silver.

The last fan I am going to highlight is the Kubix Fan by Fanimation, which runs around $525.00. This fan has some cool elements that blend classic and modern and would look great in both a renovated home or a modern house. It is far more conservative than the other fans, but I think that it is a handsome fan. That's right, it's handsome!

Upstate Jane

2011-11-21T12:53:00.001-05:00

As some of you may know who regularly read the blog- I am heading up full time to Woodstock, NY! We are in the middle of the fun process called "Waiting for Closing" on our new house. At the same time, I have begun a column on the new blog Upstater called Upstate Jane!
Upstater is a realestate and lifestyle blog for Upstate, NY. You know...everything north of Westchester...

If anyone has any particular questions or ideas you would like explored in my column- please let me know! My column will start rolling out this week. Stay tuned to Upstater for my epilogue on Maverick Terrace, a run down of Thanksgiving restaurants, an adorable A-frame for sale, plus much more...

I would love to interview other weekenders and full timers and do tours of their houses! If you would be interested in submitting your home for a tour please let me know by emailing me at upstaterjane@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

HEY! NICE RACK! Modern and Interesting Firewood Holders

2011-11-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

Since buying a weekend place in the Mountains, I have discovered things that I never thought would be needed or important. No, I am not talking about some existential discovery from the solitude. I am talking about something far more deep and important. For instance: what to store your firewood in (for the evening/day) inside the house? You don't want a small pile just sitting there, and you also don't want a big ugly rack. We used two vintage cubes for the last 2 years, that we would stack our pile in for the nights use. It works, but for our new house I think we can do better. I found some pretty nice racks (no pun intended).

The first is an amusing picture of a man who clearly got a tat, chopped some wood, then built himself a nice modern firewood holder using some cement/concrete and some metal rods. He was so exhausted, that he thought he deserved a cold one after all that and propped himself up against his handy work to drink it. I agree, you do deserve a beer for that rack. The design is actually from Ak47 designs and they do some other very cool firewood racks I will show below as well.

I guess this chair could be comfy if you threw a sheepskin over it, but it doesn't seem like a chair to snuggle in and sip wine. It is freakin cool though.

I am loving this little guy and I think I could probably make something like this myself with some plexi. It is a tad small for my needs but for city folk and the teensy little holes they get as fireplaces (if they are lucky) it would be perfection.

Now this is handy. I can usually only carry one piece of wood a time from the stack in back. Especially because the wood is nasty and I don't want to touch it much. This would solve that problem splendidly, though I still won't be wearing a white trench to do it.

Here is a cute small holder, very stylish and simple, no need for a model with wine, or a beer drinking dude to qualify this teardrop.

Now the granddaddy of wood holders is this bad boy here by Olle Lundberg. Naturally you would need a colossal space to hold it, but how cool is this- you have your art right there??

Now below is the holder I am thinking of primarily for our new place, it is a sleek slim design and it still will hold enough wood. I love the separation for the logs, the fuel and the kindling. You can buy it on Amazon.com- but only if you like to spend a grand on a fireplace holder. I think I may be able to mock something up like this with some helpers. It won't be glass, but hey, I think that is kinda scary anyhow. The same company makes another version in white steel below that is $1209.00. I think it can be done for less....don't you?

They are all good starting off points, and I think they can be made. In fact I think the husband and I could make one....I am thinking that we could recreate that first photo up there, down to the beer in hand.

I found these 4' long steel rods (5 in a pack for $23.10 , and there are 2 sets above, so we are at $46.20)

Purchase the cement and the form for the base for $10.00- and well I am seeing maybe $60.00 being spent to create that first holder) The extra $4.00 I added was for the beer.

Ciao for now.

Who wants to live in a former Lifesaver Factory???

2011-11-04T10:22:00.000-04:00

Who hasn't always wanted to live in a candy store? How bout a candy FACTORY!??!? I am selling our rad loft for 199K in Port Chester NY sandwiched between chic Rye and chicer Greenwich CT. Located right on the metro north train line (5 minutes walk) and you are to Grand Central in 30 minutes. Granite- check, Marble-check, hardwoods-check, sweet soaring ceilings and windows, walk in closet, central air/heat and a gym downstairs- check, check, check, check, check. How about inviting your friends up to your rooftop pool in the summer, then walking across the street to Mario Batalli's for dinner? Or grabbing a cappucino & fresh hot brioche from one of the best fine bakerys in Westchester on your way to the train? How about slipping into a hot jacuzzi in the winter after a long day of work? You can do, and have, all of this for 60K under market value if you want.

The lifesaver building is conveniently located near the train, but also near the super stop&shop, the movie theatre, bed bath and beyond, DSW, Michaels, TJMaxx, the marina, and many great restaurants from authentic Peruvian to Indian and back to Batalli's. For 199K, pay less than rent and own a loft with killer amenities!!!

Check out our listing and contact me if you are interested!

Check out our listing and contact me if you are interested!

Modern Spiral Staircases

2011-11-03T15:27:00.002-04:00

For reasons I have yet to disclose, I have been researching spiral staircases. In particular, modern spiral stairs that have risers and also are enclosed a bit. I have found a few that are particularly amazing. They really can look sculptural and gorgeous. Here are some images I have found that have inspired me... Hopefully in a few weeks I will share the news!

Moving Sale!

2011-11-02T12:43:00.007-04:00

We are taking the plunge- this Urban Jane will always have a bit-o-city in her, but mountains and business are calling! To prepare for our full time move up to Woodstock, we are selling some of our NYC furnishings from our pre-war 1 bedroom apartment. Also- I will venture to say our x-large, fully equipped 1 brm apartment on the UWS in an elevator building on the 12th floor corner- will be available soonish...Drop me a line if you are interested in learning more or viewing.

I posted an ad on craigslist, that has a link to my flickr page of items.

Happy shopping!

Changing of the Guards! (or rugs) for the season

2011-10-28T17:45:00.001-04:00

The weather has changed, and when the weather changes I swap out my rugs for cushy soft flokati!
Nothing feels better on your feet than the warm softness between your toes.

Help me win Apartment Therapy's Farrow & Ball room for color contest by choosing my entry

2011-10-26T09:14:00.000-04:00

I submitted my Woodstock livingroom to the Apartment Therapy's Farrow and Ball Room for Color Contest. I wish I had my new rug in there when I took those photos. I love it so much more now but it tis whas it tis. Choose my room as a favorite and then share with your friends and family so they can choose too. It is really a popularity contest, and I will be the first to admit I wasn't prom queen but help me at least get on the court! I also submitted a kitchen/dining room as well so we will see if that gets chosen too but for now- Let the game begin!

http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/color/2011/entries/3238

Woodstock, NY home for sale

2011-10-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

So, it is not officially on the market yet...but we have potentially found a full time home we are interested in- meaning some extremely extremely lucky person or people will potentially be able to purchase this special place and land. Although if we move we willl be heavy hearted, to be able to continue our goal of being there full time and working from home and growing, we would need to have a larger space. I don't think you can get a more ideal weekend home, and we have done all the work already. This place was "in the raw" when we purchased it- please see a few past posts for before photos! Here are the details. We are just going to see what happens!

Here is the Craigslist posting for contact information

Woodstock, NY

2BR/2BA Single Family
offered at $299,999
Year Built 1964
Sq Footage 1,200
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Floors 1
Parking 0 None
Lot Size 155,073 sq ft

description

A mid century modern home reminiscent of a Richard Neutra and Eichler design, that has been tastefully updated and renovated while keeping the integrity of the architecture and era intact. Amazing floor plan that flows with floor to ceiling windows assuring a beautiful natural light enhanced by 7 skylights throughout. A brand new high-end gorgeous modern kitchen and laundry have been constructed, along with a new master suite with wood stove, and the jaw dropping master bathroom with soaking tub, separate shower and skylights. Views of the 3.56 acres of prior state park land are enjoyed from every room and on the large expansive wrap around multi level deck that create a feeling of being in a tree house. The large rock out-cropping bluffs surround the home creating a breathtaking backdrop. You will make fast friends with the resident deer families, and other wildlife that will visit you daily- you have your quintessential retreat. In the summer barbeque on your deck and plant gardens on your large natural property, no upkeep here with mowing either! In the fall enjoy the gorgeous colors of the leaves surrounding you. In the winter, enjoy warm crackling wood in your rare vintage pre-way fireplace in the great room. Gorgeous sunrise views and seclusion on a private drive, just 5 minutes from Tinker Street in Woodstock NY. A perfect weekend retreat.

see additional photos below

property features

- Barbecue/Firepit area

- Cable-ready

- Multi level wrap-around deck

- Brand new double pane / Energy Star Windows
- Garden

- Lawn

- Porch

- Energy efficient appliances
- Skylights

- Wired

- Vaulted Ceilings

- Fireplace and Woodstove

Additional Photos

turquoise chandelier and pendant lighting

2011-10-03T13:56:00.000-04:00

I was searching for some cute entry/foyer lighting for a client and found some really adorable turquoise, teal and aqua hanging lights that I wanted to share!

This fun and funky mid century inspired trio of pendants would be cute above a dining table or in an entryway. Astron Tri- $470

This beaded chandelier is from marjorieskourasdesign.com
Whimsical floral capiz pendant at Layla Grace (and others) aprox. $370

Maura Daniels sweet and vintage looking floral and gold chandelier $396 at Sweet Retreat Kids
An ethereal Turquoise glass pendant found on Sundance online catalog for $499.00

custom ikea slipcovers from Jcaroline home

2011-10-03T12:53:00.000-04:00

I have been getting quotes from local upholsterers for different items such as a wingback chair or an ottoman. I was a bit surprised at the fact that the prices were the same as they were in Manhattan! I came across Jcaroline Home's great online slipcover site, and was quite impressed. She makes custom ikea slipcovers for some of their more popular chairs, and also does custom ottomans. The fabrics she has available to choose from are terrific and I am definitely going to take advantage of this service for some of my clients who do not want to break the bank on side pieces or who have young children (or husbands) who have messy hands!

Here are just some of the many adorable fabrics she has swatches for

My Latest House Crush

2011-09-28T08:35:00.002-04:00

Side of house and side entry

I get crushes on houses sometimes. I start fantasizing about them, all the things I want to do with them once they are mine, how I would buy it such beautiful things, and treat it so well. How I would spend the rest of my life with it, and grow with it. Well...this time my HUSBAND got the crush. I admit, I did too. This house was something. This home clearly swung both ways and was not afraid to seduce both of us.

It was a chance encounter. We weren't expecting to meet. Just on a simple Sunday drive when we saw the signs. OPEN HOUSE.

Sure, we see these signs all the time, and we don't go pulling down just any old properties driveway. But this one was special. It was on a road we had "travelled" before. We had dabbled with another home down that street. Could it be that same house AGAIN? That previous house was off the market last we checked (had a lien on her, poor thing) Liens are like a leper in real estate. No one can touch you if they wanted, you are on your own island. The only thing you can do is hope for a quick foreclosure. We thought it could only be one other thing, the BIG stone house with the renovated barn.

We took the bait.

this stone path leads down from the entry over the brook

We pulled down the looong tree lined driveway with a babbling brook running alongside it with a picket fenced bridge leading down from the entry. Then, off to our left...It stood, just looking at us to come up and chat. We drove up the curved road past the pretty red barn and saw her original stonework, and multiple chimneys. A large shed, and a screened in slate porch. As we entered we began through what is the dining room with it's wide original stone and stucco fireplace and beamed ceilings. It just got better from there. I don't want to "kiss and tell" but I will tell you that my husband was shooting off more pictures and prancing around like he had been kissed for the first time!

front entry hall

OH! This house has a past- in the 40's and 50's it was owned by Jane Burr, pioneering feminist, novelist/poet and was used as an Inn for writers. It's current owners are a well known model and a musician/actor. Like I said though, I won't kiss and tell.

In the end we couldn't afford this gorgeous masterpiece, it is a bit overpriced still for the market, and the taxes just killed it for us. Time will tell. We visited again to make sure it was love and not lust, but the luster faded. This truly is an amazing property but there are a few things that need to be taken care of. In the end I needed to find something that was less expensive and less intimidating. For some lucky person though, willing to put the work in, this is going to be an amazing purchase. Oh, and if that lucky person is reading this right now...I would LOVE to help you renovate it!

Here is the listing and stats

Location: Woodstock
Beds:4 Bed (plus the barn studio)
Baths:2 Bath (3 if you count the barn studio)
House Size:2,281 Sq Ft
Lot Size:5.78 Acres
Last years taxes (here's the kicker): $14,528

What's cookin - Gorgonzola, Apple, and Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Blue Cider Sauce

2011-09-21T15:46:00.004-04:00

Tonight I am going to make a recipe I found on the blog The Freezer chicks. I am going to pair it with whipped acorn squash to amp up the fall. I got a peck of apples from Stone Ridge Orchard this past weekend and I am going to try to make the most of their DELICIOUS crop this year.

Gorgonzola, Apple, and Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Blue Cider Sauce
(I am adding pecans and onions to the recipe and I omitted the blue cider sauce, and just used cider in the pan- a great substitute would be hard cider)

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 T unsalted butter

2 large apples, finely diced

1 T light brown sugar

One 3-oz package cream cheese, softened

1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

6 strips bacon, cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled

1/2 (1 stick) unsalted butter

1/2 cup olive oil

1 t Old Bay seasoning

2 cups dried bread crumbs or panko crumbs, or a mixture of 1 cup panko and 1 cup dried bread crumbs

1. Cover a flat surface with plastic wrap and place a chicken breast with the flat side (where skin would have been) down in the center of the plastic wrap. Cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap and pound the chicken with a meat pounder or the bottom of a flat-bottomed wine bottle until it is a uniform thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

2. Melt the butter in a small skillet over med heat. Add the apples and brown sugar and saute until the apples are caramelized and have turned a nice golden brown, 7-10 minutes. Transfer the apples to a bowl and let cool. Stir in the cream cheese, Gorgonzola, and bacon, and form into a log that is 6 inches long and 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.

3. Cut the log into 6 pieces, and place 1 piece in the center of each chicken breast. Roll up the chicken breasts from the V-Shaped end, folding in the sides to make a nice compact package. Place the chicken seam side down on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm the chicken and filling.

4. Melt the butter with the oil and Old Bay seasoning and let cool slightly. Dip each rolled chicken breast into the butter mixture, then roll it in the bread crumbs. Place in a 9 x 13 baking dish, drizzle with any remaining butter mixture. Cover and freeze.

Blue Cider Sauce

2 T unsalted butter

2 T all-purpose flour

1/2 cup apple cider

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup finely crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

1/2 t freshly ground black pepper

Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over med heat. Add the flour and whisk until bubbles from on the surface. Continue to whisk the sauce for 2 minutes, then add the cider and cream. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and add the cheese and black pepper, stirring to thoroughly combine. Serve warm.

Healy Guest House (Cocoon House)

2011-09-02T09:36:00.001-04:00

Healy Guest House (Cocoon House), a set by kelviin on Flickr.

This cool piece of history was for rent not long ago at $1250 a month in Florida. I missed my chance, but check out Modern Sarasota's website. Martie Lieberman hand picks some of the coolest properties in the area. There is a great deal right now on a property in Bradenton for 195K for MCM lovers.

www.modernsarasota.com

Inspiration for the bathroom- Console Sinks!

2011-08-26T10:36:00.001-04:00

I have always preferred the metal console sinks to just porcelain pedestal sinks in small bathrooms or even in tandem in place of a double vanity. I found some great examples of different styles below for inspiration. I like that they can swing from Hollywood Regency to Art Deco to Victorian to Farm all with small tweaks. One thing you have to remember is that you will need to spend the extra money on the hardware and pipes in polished stainless etc. because they will be exposed. It is just as visual as the metal leg themselves. Also there is a little extra care invovled in cleaning those exposed pipes so they stay looking immaculate.

The Chelsea Metal Console Sink

Pottery Barn's Apothecary Sink and Double Apothecary Sink

A cottage/beachy effect when this porcelain feminine sink is placed with the wainscotting and blue accents. via Elle Decor

A rounded porcelain version with marble bathroom tile via design with christine

I was pretty impressed when I saw this GORGEOUS vanity/washbasin on Livinghouse Interior design products Sure, it's a pretty penny- more like a STUNNINGLY pretty penny...but when I have the right client I think this sink deserves a visit! It is a such a modern take on the typical metal console sinks. All of their products at this UK company are amazing, some really great modern bathroom sets that I haven't seen elsewhere. Take a moment to drool over it all!

Although I don't like the wierd mediterranean recesses in the wall, I love the femininity of the console sink with that elaborate masculine tile work! This sink is at http://www.tubz.com/

Samantha French- she just keeps getting better!

2011-08-23T20:17:00.000-04:00

I just went to see my ridiculously talented friend Samantha French's new show which opened at TNC Gallery in New York City last week and was blown away as usual. Her latest work still had a dreamy quality, but the paintings were tighter, more detailed and had a sophistication over the looser more organic brush work of her prior pieces. I love both to be honest, each has a warmth and nostalgia- but her latest work is larger, bolder and really pulls you in from across a room.

If you have a chance please check out her work in person while the show is still up in the city- and stay tuned for what is new with her work!

New Projects!

2011-07-26T12:51:00.000-04:00

I purchased some vintage furniture that I am going to refinish and reupholster!

The first piece is a vintage 60's or 70's french provincial style desk. I am going to refinish it a powder blue/robins egg blue. I need to remove the hardware, strip the paint, sand it, prime it, sand it again and then paint it the blue color. I will then re attach the hardware.

The second item I purchased was this cute side table. I am going to refinish this piece and add new vintage hardware, and a tray that will sit atop.

Lastly, I purchased this Victorian chair that I am going to refinish and reupholster...in a yet to be determined color and fabric. (Most likely in the blue with a patterned cushion, or high gloss white with a slate grey mongolion lamb cushion)

I can see all of these pieces going well in a room such as this:

Wish me luck!

MUSINGS - Flors Blog on Design

2011-07-06T10:06:00.001-04:00

Whenever I get the FLOR catalog in the mail I relish looking through the pages at the well designed rooms in the photographs. They are impeccable with detail, and there is typically at least 4 pieces of furniture I would die to own. I receive specials via email, and noticed this last time that they have a blog on design. Naturally I had to check it out!

Unlike most companies, FLOR shoots all of its catalog photography in real people’s homes – not staged studios. Their creative team will scout these spaces weeks in advance of the actual shoot date and meticulously plot out which styles should go where. I had NO idea!

The furniture and fixtures you see in each room all belong to the owner of that particular home. We choose homes that have unique architectural elements such as intricate arches or angles, or large open spaces or vast windows.

The FLOR team does add a few styling elements like pillows, shoes, or accessories like a vase or a ceramic to add a bit of personality.

The blog also has typical design posts and highlights. What a great job! Maybe I can submit the little Woodstock house for consideration! Who knows...maybe with a little tweaking...

Hey Manhattanites- this seems like a pretty good rental deal

2011-07-02T07:46:00.001-04:00

I just got a notice for a 1 bedroom apartment in one of the best locations (in my mind) in the city, on 72nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus. Live in between Yoko Ono and Trader Joes! This apartment is between the 1, and 2 Express trains and the B and C lines, also close to Central Park, The Museums, Lincoln Center and Riverside Park. This unit has exposed brick a kitchen with bar, a bedroom and a refinished bathroom. 10 foot ceilings and large windows. It is pet friendly too! The price was just reduced to $2195, however I know that this unit had previously been rented just last year at $1795 and the unit above went for $1995 right now, so I am guessing you could get a better deal! Offered by City Connections Realty. This would be great for a single working person with pup or pet in lieu of a studio. Or a busy working couple. If you need help designing it to fit the small space with maximum impact gimme a call! For this location and a 1 bedroom, this is a terrific price.

als/535423

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2011-07-01T09:07:00.002-04:00

I made my yearly strawberry rhubarb pie! It came out perfectly sweet and sour, with the crust golden brown and flaky. It is the perfect time for strawberries and rhubarb! Get out to your farmers market and pick some up. Make jelly/jam a pie, or a strudel...strawberry shortcake, or just suck on a sour stalk like my husband does.

Ingredients

For the filling

rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch-thick pieces

strawberries, coarsely chopped (I put almost half and half of rhubarb to strawberry with a slight lean towards rhubarb) to fill the pie

1 cups granulated sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon orange juice

Coarse salt

For the crust
Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

Rolling out the dough balls:

All-purpose flour, for surface

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash

Sanding sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make the filling: Mix together rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

2.Make the crust: Roll out 1 disk of pie dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in filling; dot top with butter. Refrigerate while making top crust.

3.Roll remaining pie dough to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into at least 15 1/2-inch-wide strips using a fluted pastry cutter.

4.Lay 8 strips across pie. Fold back every other strip, and lay a horizontal strip across the center of the pie. Unfold folded strips, then fold back remaining strips. Lay another horizontal strip across pie. Repeat folding and unfolding strips to weave a lattice pattern. Repeat on remaining side.
5.Trim bottom and top crusts to a 1-inch overhang using kitchen shears, and press together to seal around edges. Fold edges under, and crimp as desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

6.Brush crust with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar. Bake pie on middle rack, with a foil-lined baking sheet on bottom rack to catch juices for 30 minutes at 400 degrees, and then lower the temperature to 350 and cook aproximately another hour, until vigorously bubbling in center and bottom crust is golden. (Loosely tent with foil after 1 hour if crust is browning too quickly.) Transfer pie to a wire rack, and let cool for at least 2 hours (preferably longer) before serving.

You can also purchase premade dough at the store as well, to save time and get on with the good pie eatin!

Gorgeous Brick Italianate Mansion

2011-07-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

Hopefully in the next few days I will be viewing this gorgeous brick Italianate mansion built in 1878 in Kingston NY for sale. It has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths (3 en-suite) and 1 half downstairs. Everything has been remodeled, so now it just needs cosmetic touch ups, new paint and a few other odds and ends.

It is priced well, and I am anxious to see what it is like in person!

Country Cottage Chic

2011-06-18T09:35:00.002-04:00

I was inspired after visiting a small vintage cottage in the Catskills who's owner had a taste for vintage traditionalism with elegant shabby chic cottage touches. The livingroom was small, and had a few items that were sentimental. For instance, victorian fringe lamps made by a family member and a large armoir that served as a make shift office. The current sofa was a bit too large for the space as well as the coffee table. I felt that bringing in some mirrors, using ottomans as coffee tables to allow them to put their feet up when they were watching tv while switching to a smaller sofa would maximize the usibility of the space. Small slipper chairs that can be easily moved around and a small settee or fainting sofa (which was already in the space) added a touch of elegance.

The kitchen was really cute, with a built in china hutch original to the home. The owner had already had carrara marble placed on the counter of the cabinet and open up the doors to allow the dishes to be visible. I felt that the eat in area could match the hutch and using a round table instead of a square or rectangular one would allow more people to potentially sit down if needed and when they weren't could be pushed closer to the wall to create a cafe feel.

Below are my first mood boards for the space- I am going to do a floor plan as well. They are planning on raising the ceiling in the livingroom to the rafters which will really open up the small area and allow for a gorgeous chandelier. This little cottage is so adorable I couldn't help but envision all the potential it had, which is I am sure exactly what the owner thought when they purchased it!

I made two livingroom pallatte options- a "blue and yellow" and a "pink and green" room. Both have many of the recurring elements with a few different touches (the armoir, the lamp, a mirror etc.) The eat in area of the kitchen is visible from the livingroom so it needed to work with the room as well.

country cottage chic dining area, with rough hewn original floors, a settee and windsor chairs, marble topped saarinen table and colorful ethnic inspired or floral rug.

yellow and blue themed elegant cottage with dark rough wood floors, and textured rugs and patterns

pink and green themed shabby chic cottage with muted tones and soft accents like the ruffled curtains, sheepskin rug and linen sofa and chairs contrasting the floors, the handmade bamileke table, and graphic rug.

Which do you prefer, and which do you think works the best with the kitchen? The armoir will not be completely mirrored but will be more similar to the wood armoirs with inlayed mirror as we would be using the current armoir and tweeking it. In both livingroom schemes, I put examples of different items that could be chosen such as different chandeliers and different small side tables, different wallpaper for a feature wall...

new design project underway...

2011-06-13T14:35:00.000-04:00

There is an undercover project that I am involved with right now that is of a scale I have never tackled in my life. This is not a residential project and I am quickly learning how different and difficult it is! I will have more to post on later, but this is a great feather for my new business. I am definitely going to be busy for a while. I hope to have a few things to show for by next week.

Stay tuned!

Call of the Wild!

2011-06-06T18:20:00.001-04:00

Anyone in the NYC/New Jersey/Connecticut area looking for a little relaxation on the weekends?
I have been spending my time here at Woodstock in the Catskills, working as an "assistant" with one of the best realtors in the area here, Joan Capria. There are some wonderful homes here I have seen lately while shadowing her (in all different budgets)

If you have been wanting a bit of an escape or are just simply thinking of making a permanent move she is the one to call! She is one of the most honest, loyal and hard working real estate agents I have ever met. She truly cares about her clients. She sold us our home last year here, and it couldn't have been a more pleasant experience because of her knowledge, skill and sparkling personality.

Explore the possibilities! Some of these properties have so much potential and some are already magnificent! It is so exciting to find an amazing antique farmhouse with vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and a huge potbelly stove in the open livingroom. Find your own treasure to retreat to on the weekends.

Joan Capria
Westwood Metes & Bounds
Direct: 845-417-8550

Office: 845-679-0006 ext 112
Joan@JoanCapria.com

outdoor furniture and accessories

2011-05-04T14:59:00.000-04:00

The first spring at our Woodstock home, we knew we needed a new table and chair set and accessories. We didn't find exactly what we wanted last year for dining tables, so we opted for a cheap temporary alternative from IKEA.

This year we are ready to find some thing that will be more appropriate and that will have longevity.
Outdoor table and chair sets can be terribly expensive, most of the nice ones are more expensive than INTERIOR furniture that will you know...last a long time and stay clean...not have a bear poop on it- that kind of stuff.

I decided to go "shopping" and see what I could find

First "store" I popped into was Overstock.com
I have been wanting a hammock for a while...maybe this year I will get one! $67.99

These iron table lanters are so cute, and have an antique look to them
$22.49

Outdoor Panton Chairs??? OOPS! I mean 'Mary' chair. Love them. $156.99

This all weather three section outdoor chaise looks comfy and also is a GREAT deal. It comes with the cushion and is $88.99.
It also comes with the striped or pattern cushions for $83.99- $84.99
Ahhhh a double chaise...It is pricey at $399.99 but it would be soooo nice!- comes in other colors

Over at IKEA I found a few I am seriously contemplating...but I will have to see them in person this week...
This cool new combo called Falster is made of Polystyrene and should last longer than the poorly treated wood set we bought last year...

The AMMERÖ set is frost resistant and comes with really cute woven chairs....also the chaises are $99

Another piece I have wanted for a while- which is actually an indoor piece that could be used outdoors is the karlskrona lounge chair $169.00
You would definitely need a cushion for this though. Inside a sheepskin would be nice on it. The mixture of the textures would be great.

I will compare the quality in person, but the Falster above, is extremely similar to this set at West Elm. The Falster set would come to around $450.00 the West Elm Set below comes to: $930.00. The one difference is the hole in the middle for the umbrella, which I admit I would want...Could that be drilled??? hmm??? I have that bit! The dimensions are almost identical as well, meaning you could buy the cushions from West Elm if you like...

My all time favorite is their new Dexter collection though! If only it would work with my place! SIGH! I would actually consider splurging on it and coveting it and covering it carefully if I had the right place for this.
As shown without umbrella for $1041.00 minus cushions.

At World Market I didn't find a whole lot that was different or unique, but I did like these windchimes! I also liked these cushions and poufs!

How to De-SIDE - Re-siding your home

2011-03-23T15:28:00.002-04:00

We are in the process of deciding on how to re-side our 1964 MCM home in the Catskills. Currently it is clad in large wood panels painted brown. The house is a post and beam with simple clean lines and overhang.

The options seem endless. Even when I rule out the obvious like vinyl or aluminum etc., there are many of options out there. Our main objective was to still allow the house to blend or at least coexist in it's environment as it does now but to elevate the materials and add a bit of modernity to them.

Some of the options I have narrowed down my list to are ecoclad or paperstone, cement fiberboard or tongue in groove cedar siding. The first three listed are environmentally responsible choices which last a very long time and are virtually maintenance free. Big pluses, but with big price-tags. The last option while not the environmentally "harmful" in terms of the toxins, is actual hardwood that is forested. This is the least expensive option but also requires maintenance to preserve the depth color and longevity. The difference in price between the cedar siding to ecoclad and the paperstone product is approximately $3-$5/square foot versus $15 a square foot. I thought it may be a good idea to incorporate more than one siding type to curb costs, make my choice more eco-friendly and also add dimension. I have decided to highlight some great examples of modern homes with these siding choices.

ecoclad siding by Kliptech- this is a new product, and whoever answered the phone over there on the west coast was extremely friendly and helpful. They get an A+ for customer service. This stuff can be cut and painted pre-delivery to your home and would be very easy to install over our board siding right now.

I think this stuff is pretty amazing!

Another option that is similar in product and price is Paperstone's Rainstone cladding systems.
This siding is made from recycled paper!

photo courtesy of RDC fine homes

Cembonit cladding sheets run about $3-$4 a square foot, and have actually been discontinued in the US due to lack of supply. However you can still get what is left from this company. Typically people go for hardieplank now but I can't seem to find good photos on their website of the actual sheets, only planks.

There is also this newer company that makes some eco-friendly cement fiberboard siding. They are called CertainTeed. I can't find good photos of their large flat panels.

And now on to wood siding. Tongue in Groove Cedar Siding is the choice I would have to mix with cembonit or the ecoclad for a warmer look. (although the ecoclad does come in woodgrains that looks quite nice)

done in a rain screen style courtesy of Dwell
courtesy of Trendir

courtesy housedesigntrend

another mix and use of the rainscreen style

Swedish Pre-Fab Company PINC

2011-03-21T12:26:00.004-04:00

As I have been researching siding choices for our house in the Catskills, I have been bombarded with a myriad of interesting and/or sustainable materials.

Due to cost-effectiveness, I have been looking at tongue in groove cedar siding. Although not the most eco-friendly solution (my other options include cembonit and eco-clad along with a few others) it is visually rich and has the most depth. I also like the malleability of the material as well as it's ability to blend seamlessly with our mountain and forested property. While looking for good examples to show our contractor Tom Mayone, I came across photos of a company called PINC house. They are a Swedish company and design pre-fab housing and lifestyle solutions.

Garrison School Lofts in Rockford Illinois

2011-02-28T11:01:00.001-05:00

I grew up in Rockford Illinois. A mid-sized industrial manufacturing city on the Rock River in Northern Illinois about 45 minutes North of Chicago, and south of Milwaukee and Madison. The Rockford metro area has about 330,000 in population. At one point this big city was booming, as most industrial based towns are. However, when the late 70's recession had done it's damage and by the 80's had almost completely shuttered their manufacturing plants, Rockford began to crumble with the economy; and due to the advent of the inevitable urban sprawl towards Chicago which began 2 decades earlier when the interstate was built with the main access on the East side of the river, it created what would be an economic division that would quickly become increasingly significant as commerce scrambled to the East side over the next 4 decades and left the west side and downtown in dust. Even the cities colleges relocated to the East side of town.

I never knew Rockford when it was in its glory. I only knew of The Rockford with the broken slummy downtown, and the suburban spread that took me 45 minutes to get to my home on one edge of town to the edge which now housed the big mall on the other side, which was inching closer to Chicago every year it seemed. Strip malls replaced downtown shops while people scampered to the East side and the highway access, leaving what was once a gorgeous thriving downtown shopping and mercantile district now abandoned to fall into disrepair and crime. I watched through high school as small groups and private business owners tried to revitalize the area only to see their efforts thwarted or ignored. Now...finally...it seems that enough of these "kids" from the 80's and 90's were sickened of a downtown that had been swept under a dirty rug, when they could see for themselves the splendor of the colossal ornate Victorian's, the brick and timber industrial buildings, and the structured picturesque downtown setting on a wide river that was an embarrassment of under-acknowledged riches. After 30 years of neglect and misuse, Rockford seems to be in the beginning stages of a renaissance. For those who have continued to live there, I am sure that my generalized view of the situation is narrow. I left Rockford after high-school and I haven't visited in about 10 years. Consequently though, I feel that actually gives me a good outside perspective on the shifts that occurred over the last 30 years. It is like seeing a friend who lost 20lbs, and you notice it right away because you haven’t seen them in a year; yet their parents or spouse failed to notice because they had been living with them the entire time. Change is hard to notice sometimes when it is right in your face and you watch the process. I am planning to visit Rockford with my husband this summer to see in person what has happened in the last decade, and to wax nostalgic over places and buildings I saw such potential in- now finally getting the red carpet treatment they deserve.

This house above could look like one of these below

After my long winded preface, I am showcasing what I find to be one of the finest loft conversions I have seen. I have viewed conversions in NYC where I live, along with Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Tampa, Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia. The team behind The Garrison School Lofts in Rockford have outdone themselves, and are bringing pride to a city that once had it- but could use it again.

This is the original building before these geniuses got their hands on it- so glad they saw how gorgeous those bones were and really made use of the space in the best possible way.

Well Designed Pet Accessories for home

2011-02-25T14:25:00.003-05:00

As a pet owner and a home design enthusiast I am always struggling with ways to keep my space well designed and still let my dogs feel like they are at home too. As with small children, your space starts to acquire ugly toys, clashing colors, and instead of playpens or bouncers, we have dog beds, toy bins, and for anyone with small dogs like me, stairs so that they can get up onto the sofa or the bed etc.

First I got the folding stairs so I could stowe them away when anyone came over, but honestly- that is not as frequent as we are home naturally and I can't stand looking at them any more than I would expect someone else to. I decided to find something more attractive along with a host of other well designed pet accessories for dogs and cats.

Below are some rad lookin pet steps. This babies are expensive at $189.99 but they look amazing.

On the lower end of the spectrum are these wooden ones, which by the way also collapse! They aren't as modern or cool as the ones above, but for $59.99 and the collapsing effect they are still a much better option than most!

For Dog beds, this is pretty cool looking- It is also a hefty price tag at $250.00- and let's face it you never really know how much they will like their beds...

This pod bed would be a hit with my dogs, and I am sure for cats as well. It is a bit
cheaper at $132.59

One thing my dogs LOVE to lay on is a sheepskin rug, I like it also because these small ones you can put on the sofa, a chair or in the car too!

The Grandaddy of dog beds for the modern home can be found online or in the city at Trixie and Peanut. or you can find a similar one on Etsy for $259.00
It comes in three colors!

Dog bowls I think can be any bowl you want, so finding something cool isn't too hard, but stainless steel is best for bacteria and cleaning and a raised bowl is good for all dogs or cats necks.

Barkful Bites Pet Bowl $15.99 at modcloth.com &

tricky treats bowl

Hilarious "faux" pet cabin $24.99

Here is a cute cat/dog bed from a cute retro etsy store

This could be a DIY project if you feel like it
Vintage Suitcase Dog Bed

Grey grey grey

2011-02-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

Today is a grey 3 day weekend in Woodstock NY. Good thing I like grey. I find myself suddenly inspired to start painting again. Finally! Strange being that everything around here is stark and stick, shades of grey, brown, white and black. The spiny tree branches against the grey white skies run like veins to nowhere. Chilling with no wildlife in sight for a month now, but I am comforted knowing that in a few months the moss will begin creeping back through the rocky cracks and buds will bloom bringing new spotted fawns and the little sparrows that calls the birdhouse home each spring for the last 40 years before we even were born.

Today I have a duo in my mind that I used to listen to like a sermon each week back when I hadn't seen the world and only knew what I personally had experienced, yet still connected to somehow.

Corny to some, unkown to others and coveted by a few of us...Simon and Garfunkle.
Old Friends...where have you gone?

and America, where you have you gone?

It is a hazy shade of winter...

and it is a still life watercolor on a late day afternoon...

like a poem on an underground wall.

I am going to go out and take photographs.

Enjoy your long weekend.

Beer Cocktails

2011-01-07T13:58:00.010-05:00

There is something neat-o to me about beer cocktails. It takes all the pretension out of it and makes it fun again. Lately (at least in NYC) cocktails have taken on such a serious tone. They are complex, sexy dark imbibes created by stunning "mix-ologists" with organic juices from local produce. That's all good, and I can attest to their skills, but for some reason I like the idea of a beer cocktail. Maybe it is the Midwesterner in me.

Maybe I like the idea of a beer cocktail because it is less likely to get me drunk, and is low brow enough to still have some humor while still being able to make me "light on my toes". They don't call them "beer goggles" for nothing.

My husband started brewing his own beer at our weekend home (I help sometimes) and I must admit, it is good stuff. I have eased my way into the beer world, and had over the last few years started to enjoy Belgian ales, and some of the micro breweries. After I tasted the home brewed versions I definitely could tell the difference. You can get very creative and infuse the beer with all sorts of complex flavors if you like, or make a simple good old fashioned stout.

With beer on the brain, I started thinking it would be fun to create some beer cocktails. I noticed at one of our favorite Upper West Side Mexican restaurants, they started to serve Michelada's. I was smitten.
Just my style. There are a few other restaurants in Manhattan that have jumped on the beir cocktail train, but for the most part I think it is still a relatively unexplored refreshment.

I have found some interesting recipes on line for "brew-tails" and thought I would share some with you for your next party. Let's be honest a 6 pack is certainly cheaper than a bottle of vodka, and you won't wake up with a headache either!

Let's start with the one that got the ball rolling!

The Classic Shandy!

This old English tradition dates back to the 17th century. Although the origin is not clearly known, some believe that is was named after a local English pub where the beer was not of the best quality and was flavored with a sweet lemon mixture.
Fill a pilsner or beer mug with lager and top with ginger ale, ginger beer or lemonade. If you are a bit more adventurous, try a shandy with limeade. Don't be afraid to add ice to this drink. You can't do that with your beer.

Michelada
Pour your beer into a salted rimmed glass filled with ice and add the juice of one small lemon or lime. Add a dash of soy, Tabasco and Worcestershire. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. For some, a true Mexican Michelada is not complete without a shot of Tequila mixed in. This drink is best made with a light Mexican beer such as corona, el presidente etc. (as with any cocktail, tweak to please the palate)

Black Velvet
pure and simple.
A stout beer and champagne.
half and half

Caribbean Night

Beer and an ounce of coffee liqueur
I wondered what about adding a shot of espresso???

Groundskeeper
For those who like Bud.
Pour 1 oz ultrasmoky single-malt Scotch, such as Ardbeg or Laphroaig, into a pint glass. Add 12 oz chilled Bud or other American pilsner.

The Cure

2 cups ice cubes
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
10 tablespoons (5 ounces) light lager, such as Miller High Life
1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) fresh lemon juice
5 (1-inch) pieces peeled fresh ginger cut into thin matchsticks



Oatmeal Cookie
An Oatmeal Stout or cream ale with a splash of Rapberry or apple framboise.

My new master bathroom- done!

2011-01-02T15:18:00.005-05:00

Pictures of the transition here, and here

Although she still needs a few finishing touches, my latest project is complete. I can't wait to build the deck out back that will hold our future hot tub. In the meantime, I have been enjoying my rain shower and can't wait to try my bath next weekend. The dogs even love the new room. I love the feeling of being outdoors I get, while still in the comfort of a modern bathroom. It is totally private and we have a lot of land so we don't need to worry about neighbors, however we will eventually add some minimal window treatments most likely.

I have decided to not add my fireplace to the room as I don't really feel it needs it, and may be too busy. I am going to install it in our guest room instead. It basically turned out exactly as I had hoped, although I did make some concessions along the way. It was my first bathroom "design job" so I was pleased with the way it turned out. My contractor Tom Mayone and our plumber Roland Greene did a wonderful job as always.

Fixtures were a mix of Price Pfister, Euro Modern and a few others I can't remember right now.
Cabinet and sink are IKEA. The shower door is by Maax, and the tub is by Duravit Starck. The bench is custom made in mahogany. The mirror was an estate sale find for $10.00 and the sconces are by George Kovacs.

The door is done in a sliding barn door style because we didn't have room for a pocket door. I bought a custom cut mirror and had it hung on a slab style door and then mounted to the track system.

The tile is Grecian Marble, white subway tile and slate pebble tile. The paint color is Pensive Sky by Behr.

Complete Beds for under $500

2010-12-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

When we moved in we needed a bed. Pronto. Because I knew I would eventually want something nice, I just got a very simple metal frame on wheels, and no headboard as not to waste money.

Well...it is time for an upgrade!

I like our mattress and box spring, so it is really only the $45 metal base that I am ditching here.

I found the following beds, complete with headboards that are under $500.00 and are very cool.

The first is this great tufted and upholstered bed on overstock for $389.99
I love that they have quick delivery and free shipping. However I am a bit nervous that the color will not work with my gray walls...sigh! I may have to splurge the extra hundred bucks!

This is just at the tipping point of $500 at $499.00 but it is pretty nice, and in a great silver color with nail head trim at CSN stores

This simple upholstered bed by Skyline furniture is a great option, and you could probably tuft it your self! It comes in a variety of colors and is $499 with free shipping

This faux brown leather bed is a good deal at $223.82, and is very modern from ivgstores

This oatmeal tufted bed from Skyline furniture is elegant and modern for $446.86

This is my favorite...in this amazing gold color, you just can't beat this skyline bed for $472.00 and free shipping. How cool!
They also make this faux leather one in gold for $406.00 and free shipping!
I think this may be the winner though, since I am going for grey and orange in my bedroom (though grey and gold could be cool!) Skyline's velvet pewter bed for $499.00

grey and orange bedroom

2010-12-29T14:07:00.000-05:00

So now that my bathroom is done (pictures will come this week- though accessorizing has still not occurred)
I have to tackle integrating the master bedroom into it. Originally I had wanted to have a gray bedroom with deep dark oranges/rust (and maybe a tiny bit of turquoise). I veered off temporarily on the room since I was competing with the dark dark brown wood walls but I am ready to paint now!

Here are some amazing gray bedding options that I have found!

Z Gallerie has these AMAZING charcoal and ivory coverlet and pillows...I am kind of in love with them as a fall winter option. How luxurious are these? The coverlet is $199.95 and the pillows are $49.95 a piece so you better be in love with them I guess...

This next set is also from Z Gallerie and is more refined, and elegant. I do like the pattern and the slate color though, I think it would look great with our floors and with the slate running in the hallway up to the bedroom. The price is a bit more reasonable at $149.95 for the duvet and two shams.

This organic cotton pin tuck duvet and parachute duvet and sham set from West Elm comes in both Slate and a pretty gray blue green sea foam color I like. The duvet is $99.00 and the shams are $19

Very similar to the pin tuck effect, DKNY makes a grey duvet cover set sold at BBB for $129.99 and the shams for $39.99 each

For a simple set, this 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton 7pc set for $99 is a steal in queen size on Ecrater

Another simple set is the damask stripe gray full/queen mini comforter set at BBB for $99.99

Below are some great inspirational photos of gray and orange bedrooms- I can't wait to finish this area of the house once and for all!

outdoor landscaping inspiration

2010-12-20T15:40:00.001-05:00

Now that it is freezing cold out, it seems like a nice diversion to think about gorgeous outdoor landscaping. We are hoping to come up with a killer design that will really make use of our unique land surrounding the Woodstock house.

You can see here we don't have a typical "yard"! We need to find creative solutions that don't involve grass, and are low maintenance.

We will also be wrapping the deck around the back, adding a hot tub and a stone patio in back.Here are some inspiring outdoor landscaping to dream about!

yes, we are dreaming so why not...

More Bathroom progress

2010-12-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

So we are really coming along- the toilet and the faucets are all installed with the plumbing tomorrow, which only leaves the mirror, lighting and small stuff left.

We are pretty excited to be able to enjoy it over the holiday.

Here are the latest!
You can see the progression by clicking here

More master bathroom progress

2010-12-07T14:44:00.004-05:00

So before we left for the holiday (Thanksgiving) the bathroom still had not been finished. I was getting very anxious about seeing it when we returned from the holiday but well....it isn't done. That is how these things go though. As you can see- the majority of the tiling has been done but isn't "finished" for instance the wall and tub aren't grouted. Also the sealant isn't on yet etc. The mahogany bench is not yet done, and also none of the plumbing has been "installed" as in the faucets and the toilet put in place. However after seeing what has been done- I was happy with the work he has accomplished, and am getting more excited every weekend. I am now a bit nervous about adding the fireplace and making it too busy! The stone wall is so pretty as it is, and I hadn't originally planned for the fireplace in the design- so now I am worried it will be "too much"...

You can't see the other area of the bathroom in these pictures where the shower, the toilet and the built in shelving is. That will be next week I guess, but the shower looks great!

Does anyone have an opinion on the fireplace addition? It would go on the back wall there above the tub. Should I leave it as is?
Here is a weakly photo shopped version of what it may look like closer to finish with a fireplace up...

feather pendant lamp

2010-12-02T13:51:00.004-05:00

We have a large deep orange pendant lamp in our living room in the Catskills that pretty much dominates the color scheme of our room. For the holiday I want softer colors and more neutrals to create a wintery but warm atmosphere.

I am going to change the pillow covers, and create a "new" lamp with the help of some white feathers along with our xmas tree and a few other strategic swaps of accessories-I am hoping to transform our summer/fall color palette into a cozy wintery room of textures.

I was inspired to change the lamp by "adding to it" instead of temporarily taking it down. I purchased nice feather white feather boas and I will attach them to a piece of fabric or paper-whichever works best, to the orange lamp! I am hoping to achieve a look such as below. A fun, wintery snowball look.

These feather lamps I have seen in the past have always been so beautiful, but I don't really have the right spaces for them. I do think I can pull it off for the holiday though!
The above lamps are by a South African designer named Heldane Martin

This two above are from Moss and are 6K...yes...$6,000.

Here are a few more below...

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inspiring Holiday Decor

2010-12-02T11:46:00.001-05:00

In a few days we will be heading up to our weekend place and decorating our first tree there. We have tried to keep the house seasonally decorated and I can't wait to swap out some of our pillows and colors and let winter in. I decided to look for some inspiring tree and house decor and found some cool ideas.

Martha Stewart 2008

The possibiliTREE

Decorpad

Vithouse

No Pattern Required Blog

Courtesy of Michael Pfeleghaar's flickr page
He has some great stuff on there!

Above image from Home Sweet Home

above from JacquelineDesign.com

above image courtesy Emily Avila

Santassite has some rad Christmas Trees if you wanna splurge, and they also sell some of them at linens n things.

On the retail end....

West Elm has some nice rustic modern holiday decor to buy this year. I may have to get a few items to accessorize with. I really like some of these twig trees and other natural material faux trees they have
The snowglobes are also adorable and would look great on our coffee table in place of our bonsai for the winter.

Tree skirts are typically rather grandmaw- so I really like this faux fur one for $55.00

Over at Anthropologie they have some cute items for the holiday as well:

At Viva Terra:
I love this bay peace wreath

At Chiasso they have a peace wreath too and it is only $28!

Anyone looking for a great mid century modern home in Houston- I found a gem!

2010-12-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

This place in Houston has all the original fixtures and features. You just can't find many homes left that haven't been remodeled destroying all the mid century modern architecture and design.

3811 Charleston St, Houston, TX 77021

$89,900 3 beds, 2 baths, 2285 sq ft

Status:	Active
Lot Size:	15951
Year Built:	1952
Type:	Single Family House
List Date:	4/8/2010
Parking:	0
MLS#:	30441524

See these pictures below...imagine the possibilities! I can see a gorgeous home there, a diamond in the rough. Also there is room for a pool and landscaping in the back! Asking price is $89,900

Bathroom progress and my first weekend alone

2010-11-18T16:47:00.003-05:00

So I spent my first weekend alone up in Woodstock with the dogs. I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I actually enjoyed myself and was a lot less scared than I thought I would be at night- so yay for that. However- the bathroom was not very far along still. I really didn't see much more progress from the weekend before and it was my last weekend to see it until we were gone for a while. When I get back it will be totally done, and that is a scary thought in a way since I won't have had any input the last two weeks of it's completion.

I bought the fireplace and I can't wait for that aspect of the room to be put to use!

Here are some progression photos from the last MONTH....


THE VIEW OF THE SHOWER AREA, THE FRAME-LESS GLASS DOORS WILL BE HERE AND THEN THE BUILT IN SHELVES TO THE RIGHT OF THE SHOWER _______________________________________

THE VIEW WHEN THE DOOR OPENS, THE FIREPLACE WILL BE ON THE BACK WALL

This is how I spent my weekend though, curled up by the fire with my girls and enjoying the sun-filled house to myself.

Bathroom Fireplaces

2010-11-03T12:45:00.001-04:00

Now that I have decided to install a fireplace in the master-bathroom (a wall mount bio ethanyl fuel model)
I started really thinking about how extremely luxurious and romantic it can be. I am not building a real fireplace into my back bath wall- though I wish I were! (Maybe down the road if I get a windfall)

I decided to do a post on this ultimate bathroom experience...having a fireplace near your tub in the bathroom. Nothing says luxury more than sitting in a bubble bath, glass of wine in hand while a fireplace burns. I will post pics when our bathroom is finished and the fireplace is up.

below are some amazing bathrooms with fireplaces, I especially love the through the wall fireplaces allowing people to enjoy the fire in both the bathroom and the bedroom. Ahhhhh....so relaxing and luxurious!

Enjoy!

Bathroom Accessories

2010-11-02T16:27:00.001-04:00

As they are busy working away on installing our tub, shower, toilet, sink, and all that tile and wood...

I am busy thinking about accessories!!!!!!

I saw some things on Overstock.com in the Worldstock Fair Trade section while browsing and thought they were worth mentioning

I really liked these set of 3 traditional tribal baskets from Ghana would be a cool storage for my towels, toilet paper etc. They are $42.99

This folding screen from India is gorgeous. I don't think I actually have any room or need for this in my bathroom, but for someone this could be a really cool accessory for their master bath... $220.00
I love all these alabaster candle holders from Egypt, they all run about $50.00 for a large holder or for a set of 3 smaller. I think a collection in different sizes along the back wall by the tub would be great!

This carved wood piece may be just what I need for the head of my bath. It is expensive but look at the detail! For a more reasonable carved wood wall panel- this alternative is a good buy

how cute is this horse from Thailand for $71.99- I love this. I love the color as well, this would be great in the built in either the livingroom or the bathroom!

This is an extra nice teak bathmat- I love the variation in the wood, but it is probably too small for our bathroom and would not match the other wood.

I hope this teak bathbar matches our wood bench because it is exactly what I wanted, and a good price. For some reason bath bars are sooo overpriced and usually cheap looking. $46.99

This mango wood stacked rings stool would help echo the round mirror I have above the vanity sink! $94.99

These organic cotton towels, are a 6 set piece for $39.99, they come in Ivory, linen or white.

Now these aren't from Overstock.com, but I saw a few on there that got me thinking...

I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but now that I have I think it can't be denied...my bathroom needs a fireplace, right? This walnut one, or a brushed steel one would add a little warmth and a lot of ambiance! Does anyone have any experience with these gel fuel fireplaces to tell me more about them?

Another item I had thought of for a towel rack- was this reclaimed wood coat rack! It is a bit pricey, but so sculptural. I think with this type of an item you don't need much else!

Another item I like, but I think that I can possibly make my own would be these cute towel hooks!

Explosions of Art

2010-10-27T13:43:00.001-04:00

I was reading an article featured online about a woman who bought a house in the village here in Manhattan (David Byrne's old home no less) and she put a tree house (elaborate cedar sided circular tree house) on a large old tree in her highly uncommon backyard. The neighbors complained, they went to court and she prevailed.
For me the interesting part was not the story about a person with alot of money, who's rights were questioned by a nosy neighbor probably living in a rent controlled apartment next door with hoarding issues and 6 cats, but it was who that woman with all that money, townhome, and treehouse was...Melinda Hackett. She just happens to be an artist I have liked for a while now. Guess she is doin alright for herself with those little painting doohickeys I like so much she makes.

I can never decide if the work is more willy wonka meets Harajuku girls, or more Native American payote induced fimo clay beads on canvas.

This then reminded me of a few other artists I had been meaning to post on- who also have explosive colorful work. You can find them below. I would love a piece from any of them, but since Melinda is paying for a townhouse I am sure she will be too pricey for me.

The first is Jackie Tileston- her work has a more psychedelic space creatures that crash landed on earth and took acid while listening to an Os Mutantes album secretly roaming the earth as Cyndi Lauper circa 1984 in Manhattan.

The second is Robert Straight
I have liked this guy since I was a college student at the San Francisco Art Institute.
He is a professor in Delaware now, but once taught at Spellman. Love that.
His work definitely has that spyro gyra retro candy and clusters of atoms in outerspace Barbarella-gasm going on for me.

Master Bathroom Renovation has FINALLY begun!!!!!!

2010-10-25T14:00:00.001-04:00

Ah yes, it has been months now since we were supposed to have our master bathroom renovation begin.

I started doubting that it would ever even happen...then suddenly. IT DID.
When we arrived this weekend, the contractor and plumber had gutted the room down to the studs and concrete and we saw the shell of our future master bathroom site.

It was thrilling to know that within a matter of weeks we will have a complete master suite.

Here are some of the pictures so far!

Here is the pile of rubbish outside the back behind the bathroom location. This will all be taken to the dump and in a container this week! The bathroom was not an actual complete bathroom previously. It had been built as a sauna. complete with wood walls, a stall shower and sink. It had a wall of windows and windowed door as well as a skylight and vaulted ceilings.

Now we are left with a shell, and you can really see the size of the space!

this is the view we will have from the tub! This is the view up from the skylight!

This is the door and window, and my little plan there hanging on the wall- you can see the view and the rubbish outside here as well. The door will eventually lead to a deck with a jacuzzi/hot tub.

These are the room as it was the day we moved in when it was the guys sauna still another view and the sink

And the final plans....

Shower

Built in Shelving as on the upper portion of this built in

this will go between the shower and the vanity

The bathtub is made by Duravit, I love their modern feel and the toilet is also a low sleek design with low flow and is energy star efficient. The sink is a pill shaped double sink from IKEA with a 1 drawer lacquered vanity.

The back wall by the tub is recessed with black/grey natural marble pebble tile and recessed lights. I hope it makes a dramatic entry impression. The door to the bathroom will be on a slider and I am going to mount a mirror to the bath side for a floor to ceiling full length effect.

Wish me luck!

Coolest Wood Stoves or Free Standing Fireplaces

2010-10-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

This is the woodstove that got me started on this post!

The Ivicta TIPI wood stove!

How rad is this???
Me likeyyyyyyyy! £1999 inc VAT - and completely affordable. (saracasm)

I guess these will all be more dreamsville than reality in terms of prices, but it isn't a post on the coolest most reasonable woodstoves or free standing fireplaces!

Here is the Shaker Woodstove by Wittus, that has a similar design but less money and also a handy shelf for wood and what not.

The Pharos is a suspended stove by Harrie Leenders that is gorgeous! Most of these wood stoves are foreign by the way. Come on America?!

You can always go retro- this is what we have in our home in Woodstock. I am sure not the most heat efficient free standing fireplace around, but it cranks it out. Malm Fireplace

our Woodstock house

The next company actually IS from the US! Hooray! AND....my home state! Come on Feel the Illinois!
FIRE ORB!!!!!!!!

Pumpkin risotto with grilled shrimp or seared scallops

2010-10-20T13:21:00.001-04:00

Even though I have been sick- I just had to muster the energy to make pumpkin risotto with grilled shrimp last night. I had to... because the jumbo shrimp would have gone bad if I hadn't, but I am glad I did!

This is a recipe for those with a little less time and energy- if you have more time and energy- I would suggest roasting your own pumpkins and cubing and pureeing them in a food processor.

I bought already cut fresh pumpkin squash from the store and used about half of it, and saved the rest for later.

The seafood part
6 uncooked jumbo prawns/shrimp or 6 jumbo sea scallops
1/3 cup olive oil
1T garlic
2T white wine
1T apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

clean and peel your shrimp if using
place seafood in baggie with above ingredients and put in fridge while preparing the recipe

The pumpkin part
2 t. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 t. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 t. coarse sea salt
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. finely minced fresh rosemary
pinch of pepper

1/3 can of pure pumpkin seasoned with cinnamon, rosemary, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. (do not buy pumpkin pie mix!)

The Risotto part
3 C. vegetable stock
2 T. butter
1/2 C. diced onion
1 1/2 C. arborio rice (risotto)
1/2 C. dry white wine
1/2 t. finely minced fresh rosemary
1/4 t. freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 C. pumpkin puree (above)
1.5 C. roasted pumpkin cubes (above)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled blue cheese to taste
1/4 C. heavy cream
freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
sprigs of rosemary to garnish

Directions:
Roast your seasoned and oiled pumpkin cubes in the oven at 400degrees for about 20-25 minutes or when soft.

Put the vegetable stock in a medium saucepan over low heat to come to a simmer.

Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook about 4 minutes. Add the rice and stir for about two minutes until it is thoroughly coated with the butter and toasted a bit. Add the wine and let everything simmer for another minute or two until the wine has evaporated.

Set a timer for 18 minutes. Add about 3/4 a cup of hot stock to the risotto and stir con-stantly until it is absorbed. Add another 3/4 cup of stock and repeat this process, ad-justing the amount of liquid you add to the needs of the rice, until 18 minutes is up.

During this process
Heat a non stick pan or grill pan to medium high. Pull out the shrimp or scallops and place on pan (do not dump out the marinade onto the pan- pull each piece out separately) Discard the marinade.
Cook seafood and place aside. (the shrimp cook until pink on each side about 3-4 minutes each max)
The scallops about the same- 4 minutes each side.

The closer the rice is to being done, the less liquid you will need to add. Add the spiced pumpkin puree mix, and a final bit of stock, if necessary, and stir vigorously to combine. When risotto has once again become thick and creamy, add the roasted pumpkin cubes and grated cheese and stir again to combine. Finally, finish the risotto by stirring in the heavy cream and adding pepper and salt to taste.

Plate by putting the risotto down with the seafood on top and sprigs of rosemary and any extra cheese desired.

This recipe made dinner for two!

Rustic Modern Rentals in the Catskill Regions

2010-10-13T15:46:00.003-04:00

Although we aren't renting out our weekend home, I consistently wonder if, and when the time comes to move on- will I choose to rent out my home, as opposed to selling it? Lately I have come across a few rentals that really are quite gorgeous and inspiring.

There is a company called Red Cottage Inc. that has basically cornered the market on some of the best rentals by providing a service to home owners who would like to rent out their unique, well designed homes. They provide the marketing, the sales, the cleaning etc. (for a profit unbeknownst to me) so that the homeowner's don't have to be bothered. It is an ingenious idea, and someone I know had recently told me about the owner. I was quite impressed at the stock of rentals they have acquired representation of.

A few of my favorites are below:

Ten Broeck Cottage- Hudson NY

The Barn -Youngsville NY

Amber Lake Cottage- Livingston Manor

The Cottage- Claryville NY

Liberty Farm- Liberty New York

Does anyone have a favorite? I think I am in love with "The Barn"!

Recently we looked through a renovated church for sale near our home in Woodstock and I got an urge again to do something more bold and pioneering. We both had always been interested in a church, firehouse, or barn conversion.

This is the church that is for sale right now, it is also for rental- so I thought it was still appropo for the post!

It is called "The Sanctuary" and is definitely a diamond- but I can only really see a single person living there.

White Chandeliers

2010-09-09T13:09:00.000-04:00

I would like to put a chandelier in my bedroom, and after some debate in my mind- I think I have decided on a white chandelier. Here are some pics of the bedroom. Please note that the lavendar throw on the end of the bed is not a permanent fixture. Also there will be a larger more elaborate mirror hung any day.

Here are some white chandeliers I found- I don't want to spend too much on this item and I don't want anything too overwhelming for the space

Bellacor for $38.07- I liked the price and size 18" around of this- I can always add my own crystals or beads!

This cute chandelier has shades which I thought may work in the room- I would replace the shade on my lamp to match the shape of the fluting. It is $193.50 at Faucet Depot- (go figure?) so the $ may be high for what I am going for

This chandelier is smaller- which may be a good thing in the room. I don't want to be too distracting with the fixture. It is $92.95 from Elizabeths Embellishments

This 13" chandelier is from PBkids- but it is pretty cute and simple. The price is $129.99

This is another smaller chandelier and is mostly clear with a touch of white- $105.00 at Walmart

vintage art, new art, and my ruffled shower curtain

2010-09-07T14:41:00.000-04:00

I don't think I ever posted some of these pics before- they are some things that make me happy

This piece is in the livingroom in NYC- It is from 1961- and we got it for a steal

This is a photo in our bedroom in the city- it is the dogs sleeping on the rumpled bed below my friend Lauren Lombardo's painting

Finally here are a few pics of my white on white on white bathroom's ruffled shower curtain- I posted on ruffled shower curtains previously here- and I purchased mine from this store

Next I am going to paint the walls, and add new hardware- inexpensive options with big impact

JAR Designs on Overstock

2010-09-07T11:48:00.000-04:00

As I was "flipping" through Overstock- I noticed a company listed that was producing some really good looking furniture on their site.

JAR Designs- which I cannot find anywhere else (haven't looked TOO hard yet) have some really great looking sofas, chairs and beds that I thought were worth mentioning here.

For someone wanting a HUGE statement bed- this is a great one. (if you remove the bedding)
It is a California King so you either have to want your bed to dominate your space OR have a HUGE master bedroom. Jar Designs 'The Betty' California King Bed- $1149.00

JAR Designs 'The Maxim' Sofa
JAR Designs 'The Maxim' Sofa- has really great lines, and I like the retro feel of it and the golden tan color.
The legs give it an Asian vibe too that is interesting. $1328.99
JAR Designs 'The Eastwyck' Sofa- $1541.99
With the removal of those honeycomb pillows this could be a great looking sofa. I love the fabric and the side tufting.

JAR Designs 'The Huntley' Smoke Sofa- $1379.99, this has some really nice nail head trimming and would look amazing either with uber modern pieces to balance the "stateliness" or with a transitional room. Also in Sable

JAR designs- 'The Alice' chair- $1037.99

Also on Overstock right now, though not by JAR is this adorable Manchester Club Chair for $305.99- a bit more budget friendly and SO CUTE!

Inspired by Nights of Cabiria

2010-09-01T13:35:00.004-04:00

I saw a picture of my friend while in Italy and I suddenly had a desire to relive Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini (1957) I adore the movie, setting, costumes and styling of the movie- each are so impeccable. Fellini had such a great eye, and some of the items and costumes in the movie could be current today they are so well designed.

I thought I would pull a few images and inspirations from the movie to share with you

Before there was Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" or even before Shirley Maclaine played "Irma la Douce" there was another endearing, lovable, happy go lucky hooker named "Cabiria".

The character Maria 'Cabiria' Ceccarelli really grabbed me when I first saw this movie as a teenager/young adult. Even though she was a "lady of the night",she was sprightly and gamine- a look I had at that age. So different from how they are normally cast, she had such a didactic quality to her acting with such strength, sadness, and electricity. She was played by an actress named Giulietta Masina whom was married and played muse to Fellini no less.

You can see why by looking at her in this movie, she is thrilling and exciting and makes you smile.

This picture is from La Strada- another amazing crazy movie that will help you fall in love with this actress, I just loved her in this hat so I had to post.

She wore stripes perfectly in the movie, check out this get up below- so perfect. Even her hair and makeup

The movie is a stark contrast to another famous Italian piece of media- the photograph of "An American Girl in Italy" by Ruth Orkin from 1951- ah how the times changed in 6 years? or is this just another side of the tracks? In any case Orkin is a master of the photojournalism technique I so love.

Here is another contrast closer to Fellini's world in the 1950's- a 19 year old Sophia Loren

Here is another rare color photo of Amalfi in 1957

an Italian Vogue cover 1957

Musical Inspiration for my day

2010-08-27T13:18:00.001-04:00

I think I need to repurchase Homogenic- I miss Bjork